Cody Thompson Bio
Cody James Thompson (born January 11, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver who has spent time with multiple National Football League organizations since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He played college football for the Toledo Rockets, finishing his collegiate career with 181 receptions for 3,312 yards and a school-record 30 touchdowns. Thompson has built his professional career primarily through practice squad work, making his regular-season debut with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. He is currently listed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, Thompson has relied on dependable route running, sure hands, and special teams value to remain on NFL rosters. His journey from a small Ohio town to the professional ranks reflects a steady climb through development programs and reserve contracts.
Early Life and Background
Cody James Thompson was born on January 11, 1996, in Huron, Ohio, a small city along the Lake Erie shoreline. He grew up in the Huron area and attended Huron High School, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete and began laying the foundation for his football career. The Huron community, situated between Sandusky and Vermilion, is known for producing competitive athletes who go on to compete at higher levels.
At Huron High School, Thompson played wide receiver and contributed on both sides of the ball, gaining attention from college programs for his size, hands, and route-running precision. His performance at the high school level earned him an opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level with the Toledo Rockets of the Mid-American Conference.
Thompson transitioned from his hometown to the University of Toledo, where he joined a Rockets program with a reputation for developing professional-caliber receivers. He spent five seasons with Toledo, allowing him time to refine his skills and grow into a featured offensive weapon.
Path to American Football
Thompson’s path to professional football began in earnest at the University of Toledo, where he played for the Toledo Rockets from 2014 through 2018. Across five seasons, he became one of the most productive receivers in program history, recording 181 receptions for 3,312 yards and a school-record 30 receiving touchdowns. His scoring total set a new Toledo benchmark and showcased his consistency in the red zone.
His college production was recognized with First-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2016 and 2018, establishing him as one of the premier pass catchers in the league during those seasons. These accolades helped solidify his draft evaluation heading into the 2019 NFL process, even though he was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Cody Thompson Career
Early Career (2019)
Thompson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2019, beginning his professional career with one of the league’s most competitive organizations. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019, but was quickly signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad the following day. His time in Kansas City ended on October 29, 2019, when he was released from the practice squad.
Two days later, on October 31, 2019, Thompson was signed by the Seattle Seahawks to their practice squad, marking the start of a long association with that franchise. He was briefly released on November 5, 2019, and signed by the Cincinnati Bengals to their practice squad on November 19, 2019. That short stint with Cincinnati rounded out a 2019 season in which Thompson moved between three organizations while remaining on practice squads.
Seattle Seahawks Breakthrough (2019-2023)
Thompson was re-signed to the Seahawks practice squad on January 8, 2020, and signed a reserve/futures contract with the team on January 14, 2020. He remained with Seattle through the 2020 season, continuing his development as a practice squad receiver. In 2021, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 31 but returned to the practice squad the next day. On September 26, 2021, Thompson was elevated to the active roster for the Seahawks’ Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings, making his NFL debut.
He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Seahawks on January 10, 2022, and was placed on injured reserve on August 15, 2022, which kept him off the field for part of that season. Thompson made the Seahawks’ final roster in 2023 as a special teamer and backup wide receiver, a significant milestone in his career. He was waived on September 27, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad, then elevated to the active roster on October 2, 2023. That day, against the New York Giants, he caught his first regular-season NFL pass, a 10-yard reception.
Thompson was returned to the practice squad on October 16, 2023, promoted to the active roster again on October 18, waived on October 31, and re-signed to the practice squad once more. After the 2023 season, he was not signed to a reserve/futures contract, making him a free agent when his practice squad deal expired.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2024-Present)
On June 6, 2024, Thompson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining a franchise that has consistently developed pass catchers in a pass-heavy offensive system. He was released during roster cuts on August 27, 2024, and signed with the team’s practice squad the following day. His placement on the practice squad kept him within the Buccaneers organization as he continued to pursue an active roster opportunity.
Thompson’s tenure with Tampa Bay represents the latest chapter in a professional journey marked by perseverance and adaptability. His combination of special teams reliability and receiver depth experience has allowed him to remain an asset at the NFL level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thompson is recognized for his precise route running, strong hands, and physicality at the catch point, traits that translated well from his record-setting Toledo career. His background as a special teamer with the Seahawks highlighted his willingness to contribute in multiple phases, including blocking and coverage. These attributes have made him a dependable practice squad presence capable of stepping into larger roles when elevated.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Thompson’s career came on October 2, 2023, when he recorded his first regular-season NFL reception, a 10-yard catch against the New York Giants. His Toledo school record of 30 receiving touchdowns remains a notable benchmark in Rockets history. Making the Seahawks’ final roster in 2023 also stood as a significant personal achievement after years of practice squad movement.
Cody Thompson Career Wins
Thompson’s professional career has been defined more by perseverance and roster longevity than by headline victories. While he has not yet established himself as a starter at the NFL level, his ability to remain on practice squads and contribute on special teams represents a meaningful form of professional success. His college accolades, including his Toledo receiving record, remain the most decorated statistical accomplishments of his career to date.
Toledo Rockets Highlights
During his five seasons with the Toledo Rockets, Thompson became the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 30, surpassing previous program benchmarks. He earned First-team All-MAC recognition in 2016 and 2018, highlighting his sustained excellence in the conference. His 181 receptions for 3,312 yards place him among the most productive receivers in Rockets history.
Cody Thompson Family
Personal Life
Cody James Thompson was raised in Huron, Ohio, where he attended Huron High School before continuing his football career at the University of Toledo. Details about his immediate family and personal relationships have not been widely documented in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Thompson’s status with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is expected to be determined by his performance during the offseason program and any opportunities that arise on the active roster. Having signed with Tampa Bay in June 2024 and remained on the practice squad through roster cuts, he will look to build on his special teams experience and receiving depth chart positioning. His familiarity with the Buccaneers’ offensive system should provide continuity as he competes for a roster spot.
Thompson’s career arc underscores the value of persistence in the NFL, as his transition from a small Ohio town to multiple practice squad stints and an active roster debut illustrates the patience required to sustain a professional football career. The 2025 season will offer him a chance to expand his role and potentially earn a more permanent place on an active roster.